Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed House Bill 68 one year later. In Ohio, DeWine issued several executive orders regarding the treatment of transgender individuals.
One of them was an immediate ban on gender-affirming surgeries for transgender minors.
The contentious act, which would have prohibited gender transition care and prevented children born male from participating in female sports, is being vetoed by Governor DeWine, who says he stands by his decision.
According to DeWine, “I’ve stated my position very, very clearly that the matter should be up to the parents, not the state of Ohio or the authorities.”
The governor claims that despite the swift reaction from members of his party that followed his decision, he was unaffected.
“I made the decision. In my opinion, it was the right choice. Everyone is free to choose for themselves,” the governor said.
In addition to the current ban on adolescents’ gender-affirming surgeries, Gov. DeWine also announced additional laws that were being considered for transgender treatment in Ohio.
A comprehensive treatment plan with informed consent regarding treatment risks and a mental health plan may be necessary before treatment, as well as the requirement that doctors from various specialties see patients throughout the course of treatment.
To bypass his veto, House members are scheduled to return from spring break first.
Opponents of House Bill 68 claim that if that occurs, it could be harmful to trans rights in the state.
“I’m a parent. I have an older trans child,” says Mark Jeffreys, a member of the Cincinnati City Council. “You know, and I think it’s the right of parents to decide.”
Jeffreys has significantly participated in neighborhood efforts to ensure LGBTQ+ rights are safeguarded by the city.
He claims that if the veto is overturned, regional leaders are currently preparing to file a lawsuit to defend gender-affirming care in Cincinnati.
